The Dangers of Online Gambling Addiction |
| In recent years, online gambling addiction and compulsive or problem online gambling has increased at an alarming rate. Not only the numbers of problem gamblers are increasing, but they also seem to be getting younger. Numerous cases of teenagers and college students with gambling related problems are reported to charitable organizations every day. Whats more, online gambling is seen as a silent addiction and one that is difficult to detect. Most problem gamblers have friends and relatives who are unaware of the cycle and extent of the addiction. And with todays technology, gambling is almost limitless if you have adequate resources. It is only when all resources have been swallowed up that most people start to seek help, thereby revealing the extent of their gambling addiction. Today, many charities regularly receive appeals from those with compulsive online gambling habits. The website is one organization struggling to cater for the demand and regularly receives a high volume of emails from compulsive gamblers, their family and concerned friends. Up until now, most charities believe that the government, the casino industry and existing legislation does not do enough to help those suffering from online gambling addiction. A common comparison to a gambling addict is a drunk, who will be refused service in a bar for being obviously inebriated. In a casino, online gambling addicts can use the cash machine limitless times to withdraw funds until they are unable to take out any more. Cash advances from credit cards are also commonplace. Often when the gambler is out of the casino environment, the reality of their actions becomes clear. All too often initial shock will give way to despair and depression. Sadly, however, these patterns tend to repeat themselves until many addicts are left with nothing but debt. Many file bankruptcy. Several U.S. states are now realizing the extent of the problem following media reports of gambling stories gone wrong. However, little legislation or guidance exists to assist problem gamblers in the U.S. If you or someone you know has a compulsive gambling problem, the following websites can assist: I Stopped Online Gambling So Can You. |
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